Mine-Mine-Mine! 1917 96-10

About two weeks after getting the 331K4 the motor demonstrated a rather urgent need for maintenance.  Rather than be without the 331 while the motor was down I did what any proper sewing machine addict would do, I went out and got another industrial machine.  Behold the 96-10.

We Are Buying a House. So Here Come the Industrials - Singer 331K4

Well, first off I guess I should say this one isn't actually coming home with me.  It's staying in New Mexico with the Boy Scouts.  That leads to the reason I haven't been keeping up with the blog.  I'm working as the Back Country Wardrobe Specialist at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer.  I maintain the wardrobe for around 140 interpretative history program counselors who populate 17 back country camps ranging in time periods from 1831 to 1953  at the ranch.

I'm so Weak, I Admit It. 1927 15-30 in a No 24 Open Side Cabinet

First off, I got a job at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer, so it's not like I've got time for more machines.  That's why I haven't been blogging the last month.  Too busy getting my act together to get out to New Mexico at the end of the month.

But how do you say no to this -

First Alternative Method - Cleaning the 1923 66-1

I've received tips on different methods for metal bits on the machines (rather than just dremelling the heck out of everything).  Since the 1926 66-1 was already sitting in the middle of the kitchen, I thought, "Hey! let's have some fun."

They're Everywhere - Another 66-1

I was happy, really.  I had just gotten the 1883 IF cleaned up.  I had someone give me another Singer treadle.  And though it wasn't the correct one for the IF, I figured I could make it work.  Then, dangit, then this shows up on Craigslist today for $50.

New Family Needles Again

I came into a variety of substitute needles for the New Family.  None are an exact match for the original.  I thought I would give a run down on what I've tried so far.

As a disclaimer, this is all very unscientific.  Measurements were taken using my son's school ruler.  Also the ISMACS chart lists lengths as "to point".  This might be causing mis-measurements on my part as in the majority of documents I've seen lists the "point" as the entire distance from the eye to the tip of the needle.  So I could be completely wrong in using "point" measurements from ISMACS as being end to end length.

Yep it Took a While - Cleaning the 1883 IF

On Sunday I was looking at the 1883 and thought, you know I could clean it up a little.  So I broke out the Singer oil and started going over it.  Then I noticed how icked up the thumb screws were, so I pulled them off to dremel.  Then the throat plate and bobbin cover.  Then... well next thing you know I had this.

This One is Going to Take Some Work. 1883 Improved Family

So I saw this guy sitting on Craigslist about three weeks ago.

What Happens with Sewing Machines After I Clean Them Up

I do actually use the machines I have, really.

It is ALIVE! Cheating to Get the New Family Running

I ordered some kinda-sorta 12x1 needles off Ebay Monday night.  I thought I could be patient for them to get here.  I was wrong.

More Reading about Singer MFG Co and Isaac Singer

Two books to recommend for people who like sewing machines (Singers specifically) and history.  Both are available from Amazon (Kindle Unlimited if you have it). Click on the images to go to the Amazon page for each.

 

Don Bissell's book gives a great overview of the growth of the Singer MFG Co.

Alex Askaroff's book is the swashbuckling, though not always flattering, tale of Isaac Singer, the man.  

A Quick Drive (7 hours) to Pick Up an 1879 New Family

Once having the Improved Family of course I began looking around for a New Family.  My search ended rather quickly.  A couple in upstate New York posted one from 1879 on Craigslist for the princely sum of $65.

Even More Singer Goodness - 201-1 Belt Cover Located for Black Swan

Another awesome find on the interwebs arrived.  After a year of part time searching I finally located the final part to complete Black Swan.  If you haven't read about Black Swan, she is a Singer 201-2 that I converted into a treadle machine.

More Exciting News - Straight Leg Treadle Iron is Complete.

The Treadle Fairy Does Exist! Her Name is Melody.

Some Light Reading - 1951 Cabinet Catalog and 1952 301 Brochure

I mentioned previously that when I bought the 301 it came with some of the original documentation.  The user manual is available at ISMACS so I won't be posting that.  But I haven't seen the 1951 cabinet catalog anywhere.  Also I haven't seen a complete good copy of the original 301 sales pamphlet.  So here we go.

First up the cabinets:

Making Stitches with the Improved Family

Before we start can you see what's wrong with the first IF picture I posted?

You Will be Assimilated - 66-1

Yes I've gone and done it.  I cleaned up the 66-1.  Look a Red Eye! ooh aah.

The Super Exciting News - Straight Leg Treadle is Back on the Active Roster!

A little over a week ago I teased that I had some exciting news.  Here it is.  YAY!

Well That's Out of the Way - 301

I have been looking for a rotating vertical hook for over a year now.  I was always thinking I would end up with a 115 or a 95.  I never really considered a 301.  Personally I found the pricing on 301s to be approaching the ridiculousness of 221s.  Also they are getting to be "too new" for my taste.  I have the 401 and 403 mainly because they were all but given to me and to have a zig-zag capability.  The 301 doesn't have zig-zag so that was another reason not to chase one.

Well yesterday this popped up on Craigslist.

27-3 Back Together. Finally.

Well it only took a year, but here it is.  The 27-3 from 1908 is cleaned up and back together.

Working on the IF

Spent the day cleaning on the IF.  That and putting away Christmas decorations.  The original pitman was busted up pretty good so I checked with a friend to see if he might have one.  He did and excitedly I went to retrieve it.  Neither of us thought to check the length.  D'oh.  His was a 14" pitman, not the 15 3/4" I need.  I figured that out once I got it on and saw the pedal at the top of its stroke while the crank was at the bottom of its.  $#!+.  So I'm going to work on the TreadleOn hybrid now.  I also broke down and bought a 15 3/4" off Ebay.

Respect for the Dead. 15-91

I visited a friend today in search for parts for the IF.  While digging through I mentioned that I needed a IF or Model 15 presser assembly.  He whipped this little lady off the shelf and said, "There you go."

Adventure! 1884 Improved Family

In the previous post I mentioned that we had been on the road over the holidays.  We had driven down to Florida to visit with the wife's family there.  We left Connecticut on Dec 24th, drove down the coast, stopping off to visit the Wright Brother's Memorial on the North Carolina Outer Banks.  We headed back on 31st and went inland up through Knoxville to avoid I95.  We got home New Year's night.  No where during that time did I take a few minutes to check to see what was posted on Craigslist on the route.  If I had I would have seen this right on our way in Lexington.

 

My Wife is so Awesome! Singer-Kilbowie Shipping Crate!

Wow.  This is a truly 'back of the rack' find. I had seen it on Craigslist and kinda mentioned it in passing to the wife.  I mean it's just an old box right?  But people growing up in the 70s and 80s might remember Peaches Record Stores and those Peaches shipping crates to put albums in?  I mean it kind of reminded me of those.  While probably not something that younger folks could relate to, I thought it was interesting in a nostalgic way, but not something I would buy for myself.

The wife snuck out one day with other plans.  On Christmas morning (January 2nd actually, we were on the road during the actual holidays) our son disappeared  towards the end of gift unwrapping and showed back up with this huge package.  They were both surprised when I couldn't guess what it was.  I really had no clue that she would get it.

My Sister is so Awesome! 401A

I have a lot in common with my sister in Oklahoma.  We both like motorcycles and we both like sewing machines, Singers especially.  While my sister is able to keep herself in check and not overload her living space with them, I seem to have missed that part of the family genetic makeup.  So when she said she had a machine up in her attic that she was looking to get rid of I was like "WHAT!?  How do you bring yourself to part with a sewing machine?  I'll take it! Me-me-me-me-me!"

After going with the scout troop to Philmont in New Mexico we swung through Oklahoma on our way back for our summer visit.  Her husband pulled the thing out of the attic and had it waiting for us in the garage when we got there (like me, she married well).

Now here is the mental picture for you.  Three people with two weeks of back country camping gear in a Prius.  Then add a Singer 401 in a Parklane cabinet.  It was a wee cramped from Oklahoma back to Connecticut.

Okay, back in the swing. 15-91 (Anna)

Here's the first of my catch-up posts.  This little, hmm, beauty(?) was more of a rescue than something I went looking for.  Back in March I saw this 1954 15-91 on shopgoodwill.com with no bids.  I mean com'on a 15-91 those usually go for around 40-50 bucks on goodwill, so I put in a $16 bid, with the shipping of $18 it still brought me in under $50.  I figured the price would double by the end of the auction, but a least I tried.  So imagine my surprise when I won the thing for $16.

A year without posts. D'oh

So I haven't posted anything new in a year.  Wow.  Actually was kind of a busy year.  Philmont Scout Ranch with the troop ate up most of the year.  I did manage to get some new things though.  Those posts will be up later today.  For the restoration projects, they all kind of sat on the shelf for the year while prepping for the Philmont trip.  The 66, 127 and Domestic are all in the exact same condition as when I last posted in Jan of 16, and my wife still hasn't given me a beating over them.  Am I the luckiest guy in the world or what.  Anyway, trying to get back into the swing of things.

Speaking of the wife, I made her a chemise for Christmas, so that might buy me some leeway.  Will be finishing up her bespoke wool slacks in the next few weeks as well.  Hmmm maybe I can leverage that into a 301?  I would have said an Improved Family but... hehe... that post is coming.  Still no 115 though.

27-4 Cleaning. At Last.

Before getting side tracked with the Domestic, I had the issue of the 15-87's bobbin winder not liking the smaller belt ring on the spoken handwheel.  Since the motor will eventually be going back on the 15-87 along with the solid hand wheel it wasn't really a major problem.  I just needed to decide which machine would take its place in the treadle.

Since the treadle sits in the middle of the dining room (along with the 201's treadle and the table for the 403A) I figured it would probably be best to put it up to a family vote which machine was going to be mounted on it.  My candidates were the 66-1 and the 1908 27-4.  I went with the 1908 instead of the 1896 due to the '08's better decals at present.

It was a split vote.  Our son went for the 66-1.  I guess the red eye decals look more violent or something.  The wife went with the 27-3 because the colors match the carpet better.  Another valid reason for choosing a sewing machine.

It came down to me.  Since I already have The Wicked Queen, Black Swan and 403A in tables for use I went with the 27-4 to have a VS machine as well.

A Gift From The Universe

When I picked up the seven drawer treadle it had a lot of top clamping presser feet with it.  It also has some non-Singer bobbins and bobbin carriers.

Treadle Cleaning

Well we didn't lose power during the "Blizzard of '16", and only got about 3" of snow.  Instead of sewing by candle light I spent the day taking apart the seven-drawer and cleaning it up a bit.  The iron isn't in bad shape at all, a bit of dusting with a brush, a little rubbing compound and oil and it is presentable.  The wood took a little more effort.

I started by taking everything apart.  I left the drawer frames attached, I probably should have taken them off as well but I'm not a furniture refinisher.  I'll leave that for the wife when she gets time.

What a Difference a Day Makes

So I had a treadle sized hole in my heart and 6 square feet of un-Singered space.  What to do?  Buy another treadle, of course!

Well That Kind of Sucks

The straight leg treadle is going on the inactive roster.  Here's the last photo before it will be taken apart and stored at least through the summer.

Change of Plans

(Jan 20th, 2019 edit:  Needle+thread asked in the comments what the difference between a 15-87 and 15-97 was.  All in the bobbin winder.  Which I then noticed were the older style on both of mine so, tada, back to 15-87).

I posted before that I would probably start working on one of the 27s next.  And I was going to, really.  But then I was looking at the 15-87's wiring and decided to pull the motor off.  Then take the motor apart.  Then start cleaning the case of the motor.  Then start cleaning the mounting bracket.  Then cleaning the pedestal where it looks like the motor wiring caught on fire against it.  Well, then I just had 15-87 pieces all over the place.  The steel wood and Dremel came out.

The 27s are back in line as I tinker with the 15-87.  It has cleaned up nicely.  I don't know if I can get the badge discoloration from the electrical fire fixed, but I'll keep working on it.

Really. I can stop whenever I want.

I just need one more.  Just one.

The 1896 27-3 arrived today.  And it will truly be the last one for a bit.  It's in pretty rough shape.  It's all together but it's going to take some work to get it looking good again.  And it will be the next priority after the current restoration project.

I don't think there is a decent decal left on it.  So I'm not going to feel bad going after it with the paint removing.  It really looks like someone went after it with Drain-O or something with a ton of ammonia in it.  The first couple of photos aren't in the best focus, but you aren't missing anything.

Holy Crap, Dude!

So yeah, I'm imagining my friend Sheldon saying that as he looks at this picture.

First Machine From Today's Haul

I figured I would post the photos going from oldest to newest.

First up is a 1908 Model 27-4.  One of the important items about this machine is that it fills out the 00 decade hole in my collection.  Hey, that's kind of important.  I'm now covered from the 1890s to 1960s, with the exception of the 1940s.  Maybe I'll pick up a 40s 99 to fill in there.

The decals are excellent compared to what I normally get.  Not as good as Wicked Queen's, but they are in better condition that Black Swan's.  There are just a couple of specs of silvering on them.  Someone did put tape over the front slide plate, but I'll work that off gently.  I think this one will be the first cleaned up.  It won't get the straight leg treadle though, that's still either going to be the 1896 (that should be here in a couple of days) or the 15-30.  I guess I need to get a couple more treadle bases to house the growing family.

Machine #2 - 127-3(1?)

Now when I put my ad up on Craigslist this is the type of machine I was expecting to get.  Decals pretty much gone.  Paint well chewed through.  It's a 1913 Model 127-3.  It's possibly a 127-1, the models are identical. The ISMACS website specifically calls out 1913 at the year of the 127-3 though, so I'll trust the experts on it.  I do get chastised pretty often for taking other people's word on Singer history.  I go to the books as well, but since I don't have decades of experience a lot of the descriptions in the parts manuals go over my head.  The 66s and 15s are easier because the later parts manuals have drawings of what each model looks like.  I haven't found that for any of the vibrating shuttle machines yet.

This one is beat up enough that I think it might actually slip to the front of the restoration line, ahead of the 15-30.  I still have no experience doing the transfer decals and the 15-30 is in good enough shape that I don't want to screw it up by making a mess of the decals.

Machine #3 - 66-4

So I had toyed with the idea of converting the current rebuild 66 machine to be a treadle.  I guess that's off the books for now.  This 66-4 is from 1925, a year older than the rebuild one.  I'm up to three 66s, same number as I have of 15s.  I'm thinking I'm keeping all of the 15s though.  The 66s will go to the back of the restore line after I finish with the current one.

Machine #4 - 66-6

Here's another 66-6 to go with the current rebuild machine.  This one is from 1931.  I guess I'm going to start adding years to the machine tags now.  I'm not sure why I keep having these 66s fall to me.  It's not like I'm the world's biggest 66 fan.  They are great, sure, but I'm more of a vertical or rotating hook kind of guy.  Maybe one day I'll stumble on a 115 and be in Singer Nirvana.

Last one (for now) - 15-87

Lastly, here's the 1937 15-87.  This one I offered back to the seller because I really think I got too good of a deal on it.  It has the RAF decals and it's a 15-87 with it's cool, funky reversed stitch regulator.  The seller was happy to have had me take it though, said it sounded like it was in my "wheel house".  So I'm keeping it.  I thought briefly about converting it over to a 15-86 for a treadle, but I need to get a lot more treadle tables before thinking about that.  So just into the cleaning line now.

Yay! More stuff!

Oh look, the treadle fairy came.

Another Before And After

I was sewing some 1.1oz ripstop nylon and insultex again to day.  When I needed a break before setting fire to the whole project I decided to give the 66's badge a quick polishing with some Eagle One Never Dull.  I was pretty impressed with the results.  Here's the before and after, of course.

It's hard for the camera to really do justice.  The badge is not washed out like it appears, it has a nice brass glow.  Though the camera does pick up some areas where I can give it a bit more polishing.  I'm really happy I got the badge removal figured out and didn't have to damage it or the pins removing them.

Also if you like old sewing machines here's a link for a film to watch

- Birth of a Sewing Machine - 

It's seventy minutes of silent footage of the Singer plant at Kilbowie shot in 1934 and is hosted by the National Library of Scotland.

Back to sewing ripstop.  Grrr

We Have Pin Extraction!

The 66 is stripped.  Finally!  After a couple of weeks of trying overly complicated expansion systems for badge removal, including an attempt at locating the worlds tiniest hydraulic ram, today I was struck with a simple idea.  Why not use a c-clamp to press the badge pins out.  Now right away it's a non-starter because most c-clamps have too much of an arc in them to be able to maneuver around inside the pillar.  But those aren't the only options.  While at the hardware store today I found a small bar clamp that fits the bill perfectly.  It's has a 2 1/2" deep throat, which is just deep enough to reach both pins.  The brackets were only 3/4" high, which gave room to work them into the pillar with a little bit of play.

Black Swan 101 Wheel Guard Installed and Darn-it!

Happy New Year!  So what did you do for New Year's Eve?  As for myself I spent the evening cleaning the 101 wheel guard that came in the mail yesterday.  It wasn't in too bad of shape, but it needed a bit of Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound to not look completely decrepit attached to Black Swan.  Once it was polished up I noticed the 15-30's hand wheel, which I had just given a quick nylon brush cleaning to previously, was looking a little grungy.  So at 12:00am New Year's 2016 I was hand rubbing a spoked hand wheel.  Par-Tay!  And yes, I have the most understanding wife in the world.

Black Swan And The Sounds Of Silence

Black Swan is purring like a kitten now.  But it wasn't easy.

A little backstory.  When I bought her, she had a broken needle.  I had just assumed that sometime during the years of neglect something came along and randomly snapped it off.  I assumed wrong.

But first there was also a user created problem.  Last night I just ran paper practice targets though her.  This morning I actually loaded her up with thread.  And... no stitches.  The hook turned, the needle went in an out, just the threads were not locking.  I was bummed.  Something was seriously wrong with the machine.  I KNEW! I had done everything correctly.  Well I hadn't.  In my excitement I had managed to put the needle in backwards.  D'oh!  Once that was resolved, with much blushing, the stitches came out just the way they are supposed to.

Treadle 201

It's like Ed 209 from Robocop, but way cooler.

201 Cleaned Up

Well it took just over two days, but here she is.  All clean, new grease and oil.  Just got an eight amp electrical cord for the pedal I'm going to put on and then give her a few revs to get the lubrication flowing.

It Followed Me Home, Honest. Can I Keep It!?

So I stumbled (while digging maniacally) across a little treasure today.

Taking Out The 66 Needle Bar Cap

After spending the evening pining over some 201's for sale that I can't let myself buy until I show progress on the 66 rebuild I decided to take out some frustrations on it. Specifically the needle bar cap, which has stubbornly refused to budge even after repeated drenchings of Blaster PB.

End Of The De-rusting Phase

I finished with the Evaporust yesterday.  I admit my expectations are probably a bit high.  But since I spent more on the Evaporust than I did the actual machine I'm de-rusting I figured I'm allowed.  Just to be fair though, for folks out there who might not be expecting miracles, here's what the bobbin winder looks like before and after Evaporust only treatment.

66 Derusting Begins

With the 15-30 put back together I had a tray's worth of Evaporust just laying about.  So it begins.  Still don't have a plan for the repainting; it's getting cold in Connecticut and I don't have a proper indoor painting space identified yet.  Also I'm waffling on what to do for decals.  My options are:  Wait till I'm back in Oklahoma next summer and see if a printing company a friend owns can handle it, print the waterslides myself on a cheesy laserjet (not very likely), order a set of the mixed reviewed waterslide decals that are on the expensive side or buy a set of NOS Chinese decals.  The last option would be the right one except the Chinese decals I've seen for sale are only Sphinx or Seagull style.  I have yet to see NOS Filigree. Decisions, decisions.  I'm leaning towards the Chinese Sphinx. Maybe.

Oh yeah came this close (' ') to buying a 1200 last night.  It was beat to death and even though it is basically a 201 with an presser foot mod I just couldn't see paying a hundred bucks (or 70 quid) for another machine that isn't exactly what I want and that needs restoration when I have the 66 in pieces and the 15-30 on deck.  Still keeping my eye out for a later 201-1 though.  I would love to have a machine with reverse on the treadle. 

Here's the Evaporust doing it's thing on the first batch.